ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Special Service and Features
2.366 KG Gold worth Rs. 114.71 Lakhs seized by Chennai Air Customs.
In two separate instances on 25th and 26th March, 2022 respectively, interception of two passengers lead to the recovery of Gold paste ingeniously concealed on their person. Shri. Abdussamad Edakkaramban S/o Shri. Mohammed Haneefa Edakkaramban residing in Malappuram, Kerala, who arrived at Chennai International Airport from Dubai by Indigo Flight No. 6E 66 on 25.03.2022 was stopped at the exit gate and questioned. Examination of his person lead to the recovery of Gold paste concealed in the inner garments and upon extraction yielded 1.486 KG primary Gold valued at Rs. 72.20 lacs.
Shri. Mohammed Jaasir S/o Shri. Ajmal Khan residing in Triplicane, Chennai, who arrived at Chennai International Airport, from Sharjah by Air India Express Flight IX 636 were intercepted by the Custom officers. On examination of his person lead to recovery of Gold-paste packets wrapped with adhesive tape concealed in his innerwear. On extraction, 880 grams of primary Gold valued at Rs.42.51 lacs was recovered.
In both the aforesaid stances, a total 2.366 KG of Gold worth of Rs. 114.71 Lakhs was recovered & seized under the provisions of Customs Act, 1962. Both the passengers were arrested.
Further investigations under progress, according to a press release issued by Pr.Commissioner of Customs, Chennai International Airport.
Prime Minister's Office
PM takes part in Combined Commanders’ Conference in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi participated in Combined Commanders’ Conference in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh today.
The three-day conference of Military Commanders had the theme ‘Ready, Resurgent, Relevant’. During the Conference, deliberations were held over a varied spectrum of issues pertaining to national security, including jointness and theaterisation in the Armed Forces. Preparation of the Armed Forces and progress in defence ecosystem towards attaining ‘Aatmanirbharta’ was also reviewed.
The conference witnessed participation of commanders from the three armed forces and senior officers from the Ministry of Defence. Inclusive and informal interaction was also held with soldiers, sailors and airmen from Army, Navy and Air Force who contributed to the deliberations.
The Prime Minister tweeted;
“Earlier today in Bhopal, took part in the Combined Commanders’ Conference. We had extensive discussions on ways to augment India’s security apparatus.”
More details at https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1912891
Ministry of Jal Shakti
NMCG directs closure of Common Effluent Treatment Plant  Unnao over failed effluents discharge
All industrial units without operational Primary Effluent Treatment Plant connected with CETP Unnao to close down
National Mission for Clean Ganga  has directed the closure of CETP Unnao, which has been found not complying to the prescribed norms during surprise inspections. NMCG, in exercise of powers conferred to it under provisions of the Environment  Act, 1986, has directed the closure of all industrial units without operational Primary Effluent Treatment Plant  connected with Common Effluent Treatment Plant , Unnao.
This is in line with the National Green Tribunal order dated 21.09.2020 which directed the States/UTs to ensure that the CETP/ETPs must meet the laid down norms and remedial action be taken wherever norms are not met.
CETP Unnao, with designed capacity of 2.15 MLD, is based on Activated Sludge Technology for treatment of effluents of 14 tannery industrial units.
On 14.02.2022, Central Pollution Control Board  issued show cause notice to M/s Unnao Tanneries Pollution Control Company for non-compliance of CETP effluent discharge norms based on their six inspections at CETP Unnao.
On 13.04.2023, a joint surveillance of NMCG and UPPCB was carried out for 2.15 MLD CETP Unnao and samples were taken in presence of authorized representative. The CETP was found non-complying against the UPPCB notified inlet norms, stipulated outlet discharge norms of CPCB and drain water quality.
Analysis of samples taken from CETP inlet, amongst others, showed exceedance against the UPPCB notified inlet norms of TSS as 696 mg/l  and Chromium as 18 mg/l . This indicated that PETP installed by the member units were not functioning adequately to achieve desired CETP treated effluent quality norms. Analysis of samples taken from CETP Unnao outlet being discharged into Loni drain, which meets River Ganga, showed exceedance of the notified discharge norms and the CETP non-complying with respect to TDS: 8500 mg/l , Chloride: 2650 mg/l , Phosphate: 12.59 mg/l .
Based on the findings, NMCG issued the final closure direction for CETP Unnao under section 5 of the Environment  Act to Chief Secretary, Government of Uttar-Pradesh and Member Secretary UPPCB on 23.06.2023.
NMCG has directed the UPPCB to levy and recover the environmental compensation from Unnao Tanneries Pollution Control Company  and defaulting industrial units in Unnao in terms of compensation regime as fixed by the NGT for non-compliant CETPs/effluent discharge into drains/rivers.
This matter was discussed in the meeting with Chief Secretary, Uttar Pradesh and Director General, NMCG on 28.07.2023. DM, Unnao assured NMCG that the action is being taken on NMCG directions.
Department of Atomic Energy
Union Minister Dr Jitendra says, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited  has so far spent about Rs. 663 crores on its CSR programmes, of which about 70% was incurred on development of infrastructure facilities in the villages around nuclear power plant sites
Union Minister of State  Science & Technology; Minister of State  Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said, measures for safe storage and management of Spent Fuel and nuclear & radioactive wastes are in place at all nuclear power plant sites including Kalpakkam and Kudankulam in Tamilnadu.
In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Dr Jitendra Singh said, after its use in reactor, spent fuel is kept in water-filled storage pools and is under continuous monitoring. In case of Kudankulam, as the fuel is under IAEA safeguards, security of stored spent fuel is also ensured by IAEA inspectors. Spent fuel storage pools are designed as per AERB guidelines, which is in line with international regulatory practices.
On the subject of development of infrastructure facilities around the local villages of Nuclear Power Plants as part of Corporate Social Responsibility and other obligations, Dr Jitendra Singh informed that the implementation of CSR under the Companies Act 2013, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited  has so far spent about Rs. 663 crore on its CSR programmes, of which about 70% was incurred on development of infrastructure facilities in the villages around nuclear power plant sites.
In addition, a special Neighbourhood Development Programme  for areas in the vicinity of Kudankulam site was implemented at a cost of Rs. 500 crore for infrastructure development  and housing .
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SNC/RR
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Ministry of Development of North-East Region
Look East Agenda
Act East Policy focuses on strengthening India's relations with countries in the immediate and extended neighbourhood to the east. ASEAN-India Plan of Action  adopted at the 13th ASEAN-India Foreign Ministers' Meeting held in Kuala Lumpur in August 2015 and endorsed by Leaders at the 13th ASEAN-India Summit held in Kuala Lumpur in November 2015, provides for a road map for cooperation between ASEAN and India across three pillars  political security  economic and  socio-cultural. A number of activities are held under the Plan of Action  in all three spheres to promote ASEAN-India relations. A few of them have taken place in the North-Eastern states, e.g. ASEAN-India Youth Summit held in Guwahati, Assam on 5-7 February 2019. ASEAN-India trade in the year 2017-18 stood at USD 81.33 billion, registering a jump of 13.64% over the year 2016-17.
The focus has been on the development and prosperity of the North Eastern states by improving connectivity, access and facilities to the region through various initiatives including improving connectivity of North East Region with Bangladesh, improving access to North East from Myanmar to facilitate tourism and cross border connectivity, promotion of Land Border Crossing Agreement and Integrated Check Post at Moreh and infrastructure projects like India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway, Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport Project in Myanmar.
Various projects are undertaken from Indo-Pacific Division's  budget, and ASEAN-India Fund , ASEAN-India Green Fund  and ASEAN-India Science & Technology Development Fund  which have been set up by Government of India for undertaking joint projects with ASEAN Member States. These Funds are rolling funds and are replenished on need basis.
Under the 3 Lines of Credit worth about USD 8 billion extended by India to Bangladesh, GoI has undertaken several projects to enhance connectivity with our North East Region through Bangladesh.
India has disbursed around US $ 1.04 billion in grant projects, and has extended concessional loans of US $ 478.9 million from India’s LOC amount of around US $750 million to Myanmar. Projects on grant funding include connectivity infrastructure projects like Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport Project, upgradation of 69 bridges and building the Kalewa Yargi road segment on the Trilateral Highway. Our Line of Credit projects include purchase of railway engines and rolling stock, establishment of data link, telecommunication projects etc.
This information was provided by the Union Minister of State  Development of North-Eastern Region , MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
India offers the unbeatable combination of talent, scale and skill to the world: Shri Piyush Goyal
World wants to engage with sustainability and newer technologies at an affordable price; they look towards India for it because of our innovation and talent pool: Shri Piyush Goyal
World today recognises that India’s time to shine has arrived: Shri Piyush Goyal
Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal has said that India offers the unbeatable combination of talent, scale and skill to the world. He was interacting with the students after visiting the Knowledge part at Indian Institute of Technology , Chennai.
Shri Goyal said that the campus of IIT-Chennai was truly outstanding. It is a piece of art because science alone cannot define this place. Science is an enabler, art is in all of your minds which also helps come up with simple solutions for our day-to-day problems, he added.
The Minister spoke about India’s immense innovation potential and said that the World would also want to engage with sustainability and newer technologies at an affordable price and they would look towards India for it because of our innovation and talent pool. “Sustainability, energy efficiency, electric mobility coupled with India’s manufacturing skills, every innovation and technology developed here has a huge market”, he added.
Shri Goyal said that India offered a huge market of over a billion people who are now connected to the whole world through television and smart phones. India offers the largest aspirational population, he added.
The Minister noted that world today recognises that India’s time to shine has arrived. India’s demographic dividend, our large young population is another factor that is our strength, he said. Countries across the globe are today wooing us and is attracted to us for the talent pool and skillset India has to offer, he added.
Addressing the students, Shri Goyal said that the nation would be grateful to every contribution of our youth and our students. He observed that the scale of India’s aspirational population can help them get the economies of scale, can power the technologies they are producing and can economise the output of their work.
Shri Goyal urged the students to have a bold vision and big ambition. “We as a country should have Big, Heavy, Audacious Goals. It abbreviates to BHAG. We all need to participate in the journey as we work our way towards becoming a developed nation and run collectively towards this goal”, he added.
The Minister said that innovation is elementary, simple thinking leading to solutions of a range of problems that can help our country and the world and students can all contribute immensely to these solutions. As we power our way into Azadi ka Amrit Kaal, these 25 years are going to define India and its future, he noted.
Ministry of Law and Justice
Press Communique
Vide Notification of even number dated 15.05.2023, in exercise of the power conferred by clause  of Article 224 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Shri Dharmesh Sharma, Judicial Officer as an Additional Judge of the Delhi High Court for a period of two years, with effect from the date he assumes charge of his office.
Ministry of Mines
Royalty for Minerals
The rates of royalty on minerals are revised from time to time as per the provisions of the MMDR Act, 1957.
In order to evaluate the revision of royalty rates and dead rent for minerals , the Ministry of Mines vide order dated 09.02.2018 constituted a Study Group consisting of representatives from mineral rich states & representatives of Mining Industry /Associations /Federations. The Study Group has submitted its final recommendation on 25.07.2019. In the meantime, Union Cabinet on 13th January 2021 has approved the proposal of Ministry of Mines to introduce an index based mechanism by developing a National Mineral Index  for various statutory payments and others for future auctions. Accordingly, Ministry of Mines vide order dated 06.04.2021 has constituted a committee for developing NMI of individual minerals.
This information was given by The Minister of Mines, Coal and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Cabinet
Crackdown on Unauthorised Occupants of Public Premises
Summary Eviction proceedings for Unauthorised Occupants in Residential Accommodations
Cabinet approves “The Public Premises  Amendment Bill, 2019
New Bill to be introduced in the ensuing session of Parliament
In a crackdown on the unauthorisedoccupants of residential accommodations in public premises, the Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given a go ahead to introduce "The Public Premises  Amendment Bill, 2019".
Impact:
The amendments will facilitate smooth and speedy eviction of unauthorised occupants from Government residences, and those vacant residences will be available for allotment to eligible persons on maturity of their turn in the waiting list.
This will decrease the waiting time for availing the facility of residential accommodation.
Implications:
The new bill comes in place of "The Public Premises  Amendment Bill, 2017".
It will be introduced in the ensuing Session of Parliament.
Implementation:
The Bill seeks amendments in Section 2, Section 3 and Section 7 of the Public Premises  Act, 1971, by inserting clause  before clause  in Section 2, a new section 3B below section 3A of Section 3 and a new sub-section 3A below sub-Section  under Section 7 of the Public Premises  Act, 1971.
The proposed amendments would enable the Estate officer to apply summary proceedings for evicting unauthorised occupants from residential accommodations and to levy damage charges for accommodation held during the period of litigation.
This Bill result in speedy eviction of unauthorised occupants from Government residences and increased availability of residential accommodations for eligible persons.
Background:
The Government of India has to evict unauthorized occupants from Government accommodations under the provisions of PPE Act, 1971. However, the eviction proceedings take unusually long time, thereby reducing the availability of Government accommodations to new incumbents.
Under the existing PPE Act,1971 as amended by PPE Amendment Bill, 2015, the eviction proceeding take around 5 to 7 weeks’ time. However, it takes much longer, even years, to evict unauthorized occupants. Under the proposed bill, the state officer will not have to follow elaborate proceedings like serving notice, show cause, inquiry, rather he or she can initiate summary eviction proceedings.
The decision is yet another reflection of the Government’s commitment for a transparent and hassle-free governance for the citizens of the country.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Governor of Maharshtra presents Nehru Yuva Kendra's State Level Awards for Best Youth Organization and Best Youth Worker
Sonali Rathod, Rupkumar Rathod felicitated
Mumbai, 27 September 2021
Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari presented the State level Best youth organization and best youth worker awards of Nehru Yuva Kendra Sanghatan at Raj Bhavan, Mumbai on Monday .
Grameen Tantragyan Sanstha, Sunderban, of Shirur Taluka in Pune was given the best organization award for its work of empowering young farmers. Chairman of the organization Gitaram Kadam accepted the award from the Governor. Playback singers Sunali Rathod and Rupkumar Rathod were also honoured for their contribution in the field of music and art.
State Director of Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan Prakash Kumar Manure and Deputy Director Yashwant Mankhedkar were present.
Dr. Arvind Shaligram, Kakasaheb Mohite, Principal, Rasika Kulkarni, Sharad Pabale, Journalist, Subhash Dalavi, Special Executive Officer, BMC, Mumbai, Aanadghan, Sandeep Navale, Journalist, Shardha Dalavi, Social worker, Pruthvi Balasaheb Ingole-Rakshe, President Bhumi Sanstha and Pruthvi Udyog, Sudnyan Mankhedkar, Raj Sunil Randhir, Social Worker, Aamrapali Chavan, Social Worker, Sagar Hemade, Executive Director, Vikas Katare, Small industrialist were felicitated on this occasion.
Programme can be watched here https://youtu.be/RSnPgysAOYkDJM/MAS/RajBhavan/DR
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Special Service and Features
15.6 kg heroin worth Rs. 100 crore seized at Chennai International Airport. Two Tanzanians arrested.
In one of the biggest seizure of narcotics at Chennai International Airport, 15.6 kg of Heroin has been seized from two Tanzanians Nationals today.
Based on inputs from DRI that narcotics drug from African countries are likely to be smuggled into India, high alert was maintained at the Airport. A couple, who arrived by Qatar Airways flight 528 from Johannesburg via Doha were intercepted at exit on suspicion of carrying narcotics. On questioning, they appeared to be nervous and gave evasive replie They both were carrying two stroller bags each as their check-in baggage. On examination, it was noticed that there was a false bottom in which plastic packets were concealed. In each stroller, five plastic packets were found and on cut opening, white coarse powder was found inside. The plastic packets were sprinkled with some spicy powder to camouflage the smell. The powder tested positive for Heroin with drug testing kit. Total, 15.6 kg of white coarse powder suspected to be Heroin valued at Rs. 100 crores was recovered and seized under The NDPS Act 1985, read with Customs Act.
On questioning lady passenger informed that she was travelling to India for medical treatment along with her attendant Felix at a Super Speciality Hospital at Bengaluru on a visa granted to them on basis of communication from the Hospital. As they could not get any direct flight to Bengaluru, they landed in Chennai. Both have been arrested under NDPS Act.
15.6 kg heroin worth Rs. 100 crore seized at Chennai International Airport. Two Tanzanians arrested.
Further investigations is in progress.
This is stated in a press release issued by the Commissioner of Customs, Chennai International Airport.
Ministry of Defence
DRDO & Indian Air Force carry out successful flight tests of indigenously-developed smart anti-airfield weapon
Key highlights:
- Two different configurations on satellite navigation & electro optical sensors tested successfully
- First Electro optical seeker based flight test of this class of bomb in the country
- Equipped with Imaging Infra-Red Seeker technology to enhance precision strike capability of the weapon
- Maximum range of 100 kms
Two flight tests of indigenously-developed smart anti-airfield weapon have been carried out jointly by Defence Research & Development Organisation  and Indian Air Force . The two different configurations based on satellite navigation and electro optical sensors have been successfully tested. Electro optical seeker based flight test of this class of bomb has been conducted for the first time in the country. The electro optic sensor has been developed indigenously. The weapon was launched by an IAF aircraft from Chandan ranges at Jaisalmer, Rajasthan on October 28, 2021 and November 03, 2021.
Electro optical configuration of the system is equipped with Imaging Infra-Red  Seeker technology enhancing the precision strike capability of the weapon. In both the tests, the intended target was hit with high accuracy. The system is designed for a maximum range 100 kilometres. The newly adapted launcher ensured smooth release and ejection of the weapon. Advanced guidance and navigation algorithms, software performed as per the mission requirements. The telemetry and tracking systems captured all mission events throughout the flight. All the mission objectives were achieved.
Smart anti airfield weapon has been designed and developed by Research Centre Imarat  in coordination with other DRDO Laboratories and extensive support from IAF. Quality and design certification agencies have contributed significantly in its development and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited , Bengaluru has carried out weapon integration with the aircraft.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has complimented the synergistic efforts of DRDO, IAF and the teams associated with the mission. Congratulating the teams, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy said the performance and reliability of the weapon has been proved.
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Ministry of Home Affairs
Padma Awards 2020 Announced
Padma Awards - one of the highest civilian Awards of the country, are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. The Awards are given in various disciplines/ fields of activities, viz.- art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc. ‘Padma Vibhushan’ is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; ‘Padma Bhushan’ for distinguished service of high order and ‘Padma Shri’ for distinguished service in any field. The awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year.
These awards are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions which are held at Rashtrapati Bhawan usually around March/ April every year. This year the President has approved conferment of 141 Padma Awards including 4 duo cases  as per list below. The list comprises of 7 Padma Vibhushan, 16 Padma Bhushan and 118 Padma Shri Awards. 33 of the awardees are women and the list also includes 18 persons from the category of Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI and 12 Posthumous awardees.
Note:In duo case, the award is counted as one.
President's Secretariat
President of India pays homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his Birth Anniversary
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, paid homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary at Rashtrapati Bhavan today . The President and officials of Rashtrapati Bhavan paid floral tributes in front of a portrait of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Earlier this morning, the President visited Sardar Patel Chowk in New Delhi to pay homage before the statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.